CHAPTER 341: CAMPAIGN IN THE SANDS VI

(Third Person POV)

[Sunspear]

"You have to be shitting me....." Oren Martell said with a scowl, "They have managed to cover that much territory?!"

Tristeyn nodded, "Yes." He said, "It appears that we are losing ground .We have to do something, some sort of counterattack. At this rate, the other Houses will rebel against House Martell."

They were in the Prince’s chambers, Oren was sitting on a couch while Tristeyn was standing in front of him, informing him of the Duskguard’s progress.

"Curses!" He said, "Who is leading them?!"

"I am not sure." Tristeyn said, "But it appears that Kingsgrave and Yronwood are acting as their base of operation. This is unlike the attack all those years ago, the one during the Great Storm. This is more calculated, more patient. They are in fact covering the area to conquer. We’re about to enter a time of war."

"War...." Oren said, "Something Drakken enjoys. This isn’t good....and that beast..."

"From the looks of it, the Beast is acting as the guardian of the Red Mountains, keeping both passages locked down." Tristeyn said, "House Dayne has tried sending envoys through them to reach out to the Reach or the Stormlands....no luck."

"Send a letter to Starfall, have them send a ship to sail around and ask House Tyrell for aid. Anyone!" He said

"I sincerely doubt House Tyrell would interfere." Tristeyn said, "They have lost their Lord during the Faith’s Revolt, they do not want to cross House Drakkengard."

"Well, shit." Oren said as he slowly stood up, "At the very least, House Hightower!"

"That is another House that will not act against House Drakkengard." He replied, "Considering that the Lady Maegelle was spotted at the Citadel, the entire city of Oldtown is a Hostage. They will not aid anyone that is opposing Drakken. Besides, we won’t get word to them in time. The ravens to King’s Landing bear no response. It appears that Drakken has told them to not interfere."

"Tch...." Oren walked to the balcony of his chambers, "I can’t believe I will have to resort to dealing with Essosi. Send word to Tyrosh, I need some aid."

"I will." Tristeyn said, "What should I tell them?"

"Offer them my sisters in exchange for full support. I expect ships and men to send towards Yronwood." Oren said, "We’ll take back that territory."

Tristeyn bowed slightly, "As you wish." He said, "I will have it done."

"Good." He said, "House Drakkengard will learn that Dorne does not bend...."

Tristeyn nodded, "I will take my leave now."

"Go ahead." The Prince said

Tristeyn turned around and walked away, leaving the room.

***************

"Over here." A voice called Tristeyn over as he walked down the hallway, "You imbecile....!"

Tristeyn stopped and saw that Elia was leaning against the wall, in the shadows.

"Princess." He said as he walked over, "Are you alright?"

Tristeyn reached for her cheek, gently touching her bruise to which Elia winced.

"I...I am fine." She said softly, "W-what do you have for me?"

Tristeyn looked around, checking if anyone was in the vicinity, "This is huge." He said as he pulled out a letter from his pocket, "A letter from Harrenhal. I was fortunate enough to intercept it. This was written by Drakken himself."

He handed her the letter and Elia took it, reading it immediately.

The letter read:

"The Desert God and My Duskguard will lay everything to ruins unless you hand over a worthy payment aside from surrendering.

Let us negotiate, it is the only Mercy I will show."

Elia frowned, "The God of War and Death." He said, "Sometimes, I cannot get a read on a man like him."

Tristeyn nodded, "It is looking bad, Princess." He said, "The Duskguard are dominating the territories. As we speak, hundreds of our warriors fall to their might. House Dayne are the only ones that are putting up a decent fight but they will soon fall."

Elia sighed, "Years ago, I was able to make a deal with Drakken." She said, "To keep him from killing our people. All of that went out the window when he returned my brother to power....and when I was usurped by his people shortly before....."

Tristeyn sighed, "I apologize if I feign uninterest in you." He said, "I have to keep my cover. Say the word, Princess.....and we’ll handle your brother."

"Unfortunately....." Elia said softly, "We don’t have much power. Oren has a firm grasp on our soldiers....and those loyal to myself and Tyene....they are not in Sunspear."

"So, what is the plan?" Tristeyn asked

"Do as he says." Elia said, "Worry not about me. On the morrow, meet me in the water gardens. I need you to send a letter.....to Drakken..."

"Drakken....?" Tristeyn asked

"It is a secret. I am sure he will respect the discretion." Elia said as she gave him a serious look, "In order to save my people...to save Dorne...."

"Another deal must be made."

*********************

[King’s Landing]

"Dorne is being invaded by the Duskguard." Alysanne said seriously, "Is this going to be an issue, Jaehaerys? We have to do something about it."

They were sitting down on the Small Council table, shortly after a meeting regarding events in the capital as of late.

"There is not much to do." Jaehaerys said, "From what it seems, he wants House Martell to surrender and strike a deal. That Drakken is up to something."

Alysanne sighed, "I feared that." she said, "But why now of all times? And Dorne, I figured he was done with them."

"No, it appears he is not done." Jaehaerys said, "This is too strange....too convenient....there is something he wants from that region. But truthfully, the way things have been....we cannot afford to interfere. So long as he keeps the casualties as low as possible."

"That is not going to happen." Alysanne frowned, "You know that."

"I will personally ask him what his plan is." Jaehaerys stood up, "If that is what you want me to do."

"Maegelle is at the Citadel." Alysanne said softly, "From what Saera said, she and Drakken got in a quarrel and they are taking time apart."

"Is that so?" Jaehaerys asked

"It definitely has something to do with what happened with Aemon." Alysanne said as she closed her eyes, "To think it would get to that point."

"Speaking of him...." Jaehaerys’s face hardened, "Has he not left Daella’s room?"

"No." Alysanne said, "Give him time..."

"He is my Hand." Jaehaerys said seriously, "I need him by my side. I have given him enough time."

"i understand." Alysanne looked at him, "But-"

"These are times when I need him the most." he cut her off, "He is not only my Hand, but my Heir...."

"He should remember that."